Chandigarh, 17.04.2026:The fourth edition of the Allengers Gully Cricket Tournament 2026 was formally inaugurated on Friday at the Sector 16 Cricket Stadium by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Haryana, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. The ceremony was also graced by Sh. H. Rajesh Prasad, Chief Secretary, UT Chandigarh, in the presence of Tournament Chairman Sh. Sanjay Tandon and DGP, UT Chandigarh Police, Dr. Sagar Preet Hooda, along with senior officials from the Chandigarh Administration, Chandigarh Police, and the UT Cricket Association (UTCA). The tournament is being jointly organised by UTCA and Chandigarh Police with the objective of engaging youth in sports and steering them away from drug abuse.

Administering an anti-drug oath to players and attendees, the Hon’ble Chief Minister highlighted the importance of promoting discipline and physical fitness among youth. He commended UTCA’s efforts, stating that such tournaments help build a strong foundation for the nation by encouraging healthy lifestyles. Drawing a strong connection between an active and disciplined lifestyle and the prevention of substance abuse, the Chief Minsiter urged all citizens, especially the youth, to channel their energy into constructive pursuits such as sports and regular physical activity.

Addressing the gathering, the Hon’ble Chief Secretary, UT Chandigarh, remarked that Khelo India and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan—two flagship initiatives of the Hon’ble Prime Minister—find a meaningful convergence in today’s event, which stands as a perfect amalgamation of both these national priorities, promoting fitness alongside a drug-free lifestyle. He stated that the tournament is a commendable initiative that blends sports with a strong social message, nurturing young talent while guiding youth towards a disciplined and drug-free life.

Sh. Sanjay Tandon informed that 288 teams, including 256 boys’ teams and 32 girls’ teams, comprising nearly 4,000 players aged between 14 and 19 years, will participate in matches across nine venues in the city over the next two weeks.

UTCA President, Sh. Saraansh Tandon, also read out a message from the Hon’ble Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, describing the championship as a mass movement.

During the event, the dignitaries unveiled the tournament trophy and participated in a symbolic cricketing gesture to mark the commencement of the competition.

The Indian Street Premier League will felicitate the winners with cash incentives and offer 25 outstanding players an opportunity to compete at the national level. Additionally, the Abhinav Bindra Foundation, founded by Olympic champion Sh. Abhinav Bindra, will support the tournament by recognising and encouraging top performers during the closing ceremony.

Those present on the occasion included Mayor Sh. Saurabh Joshi, SSP Smt. Kanwardeep Kaur, IGP Sh. Pushpender Kumar, IPS Sh. Rajeev Ranjan, Sh. Hari Singh Khuarna (Secretary, UTCA), Sh. Alok Krishan (Treasurer, UTCA), and other distinguished guests.

The tournament will follow a knockout format, with each match consisting of 10 overs per side and played using tennis balls to ensure safety. Matches will be conducted across multiple venues to maximise accessibility. Registrations were carried out through police stations across the city on a first-come, first-served basis.

Supported by the Municipal Corporation, Social Welfare Department, Sports Department, and Education Department of the Chandigarh Administration, along with partners such as Tynor and NMDC, the tournament aims to identify and nurture grassroots cricketing talent. UTCA selectors will closely monitor performances, offering standout players pathways to represent Chandigarh in national-level BCCI tournaments.

The finals are scheduled for May 1, while the closing ceremony on May 2 will be graced by the Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria.

Live scoring and updates will be available through the UTCA website and mobile application.